The Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields

Field Notes

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Sunday Worship

April 14th, 2024

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (spoken)

9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist for Children and Families

9:15 a.m. Adult Forum

A Report from the Discernment Committee

Led by Nikki Wood, Chair

10:30 a.m. Choral Holy Eucharist

A Note From Rev. Laura

This is the week many of us became “umbraphiles” – or eclipse chasers. The Latin roots are umbra or shadow, and phile, as in lover, which over time morphed into “chasers.”

I didn’t pay much attention to the eclipse until Monday morning when it was too late to get on a plane or drive several hundred miles to Erie for a view of potential “totality.”

Curiosity morphed quickly into obsession and before long a box of crackers was converted to a pitiful eclipse viewer since eclipse glasses were all sold out. Why hadn’t I snagged a free pair of glasses at Warby Parker? Too late for regrets. 

The Morris Arboretum was planning a watch party. I was there by noon to be sure of a parking spot and settled on top of the hill in the warmth of the sun. If nothing else had happened it would have been a good way to spend part of an early afternoon. I had no idea what to expect. Continue reading here.

Features

Acolytes Needed!

The acolytes are a vital ministry in our church, but in the past few years our numbers have dwindled. Our acolytes play crucial roles in our services by carrying the cross (crucifers), the torch (torch bearers) and/or the incense holder (thurifers). No prior experience is needed. We will train you as both torch bearer and crucifer, and if interested, thurifer as well. Acolytes typically serve once every four to six weeks, depending on your availability. Please reach out to Michaela Prell at mprell@gm.slc.edu if interested.

This Week's Adult Forum

9:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall

A Report from the Discernment Committee

Presented by Nikki Wood

The chair of the committee will discuss the process and status of the discernment and search actions for our next rector.

Note: A recording will be available next week for those unable to attend.

Time Change for Sara Graff Cooke Memorial Service

Please note that the memorial service for Sara "Sally" Graff Cooke is now scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 3rd rather than 2:00 p.m. as was previously announced.

Apples and Grapes in a Pierced Bowl 1823-1825

James Peale (American, 1749–1831)

Oil on canvas, 15” x 21 ¾”

Philadelphia Museum of Art Credit Line: Promised Gift of the McNeil America Collection

Wellspring Presents:

Seeing the Sacred in the Ordinary

Sunday April 14th

 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Facilitators: Rev. John B. Hougen and Joanne Conway, Spiritual Director

Cost: Sliding scale with a suggested price of $25.00

Click here to register.

As we search for ways through tough times, healing and hope become possible as we experience awe and wonder. By combining the power of wise words with the artists’ ability to reveal transcendence as they portray everyday objects, we will practice seeing the sacred in the ordinary, a practice that can be incorporated into our daily lives.This event is another offering in the popular series, Prophets of Hope.

Earth Day Eco Fair

Presented by Climate Action Team

Sunday, April 21st

9:15 Adult Forum: Solar Faithful (Houston Room)

9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Eco Fair (Parish Hall)

Come learn about solar energy, composting, local wildlife, native plants, PAIPL’s Bike & Hike challenge, and more. Join us for a morning of educational and fun activities for all ages!

Each week leading up to the Eco Fair we will have a Field Notes feature showcasing a booth you can visit at the Fair. This week's feature comes from Joanne Conway, who is partnering with Anne Swoyer and the Rev. Scott Robinson for the Nature Art and Poetry Booth. From Joanne:

Back Beach Art:

These compositions, either on rock or on paper, emerge from things I have collected on my morning walks on Back Beach in Bernard, Maine. They are stones, beach glass, sea-worn wood or shells that have caught my eye. I often see faces, or parts of faces in them and after I bring them home I enjoy helping them appear as these sculptures or cards.

Sermon Transcript

The Rev. Laura Palmer

April 7th, 2024

Of This There Is No Doubt

The millennia have not been kind to Thomas. He’s been branded as, well, you know, “doubting” as if there’s something wrong with that even though it’s only been a week since the resurrection.

A week ago, our church was packed, filled with flowers, the music soared, and the trumpets blast opened the heavens. There could be no doubt that heaven and earth became one. 

And then? The skies darkened, rain poured down for several days, the daffodils bowed in surrender as the winds challenged the blossoms on the trees to a life-or-death duel. Continue reading here.

Children, Youth, and Families

Volunteers Needed for VBS!

St. Martin's is hosting Vacation Bible School June 17th-21st. Our theme is Songs of Creation. We have a great staff in place already, and our kids will have an even richer experience if we have caring adults and older youth from the parish involved too. Come for an hour or stay all week! Here are some examples of the different ways you can be involved:

Help serve snacks - Assist with crafts - Help at drop off or pick up time - Lead a game or activity - Share your faith story - Join us for worship - Be a loving presence

Please reach out to Rev. Britta if you want to spend some time with our amazing children this summer! cyf@stmartinec.org

Children, Youth, and Families Spring Social

Sunday, April 28th

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Join us for an opportunity to connect with other families in our church. People of all ages are welcome! Drinks and light fare will be provided for adults. Please bring an hors

d’oeuvre or desert to share if you are able. Childcare provided! The children will have a pizza party with lots of fun and games. Please RSVP so we know you can make it!

Email Rev. Britta to RSVP or for questions: cyf@stmartinec.org

Youth Connecting

The Third Sunday of Each Month (April 21st, May 19th, June 16th, July 21st)

5:30 - 7:30pm

Grades 7-12   

Meet at the home of the Martin Family

Youth are invited to connect for games, conversation, and hanging out. At each session, we will make time to discuss resources from Christian tradition that help us respond to some of the most challenging issues of our day. Topics may include climate change, gender and sexuality, or war; we will adjust our focus based on what is most important for the youth who are present. A simple meal will be provided. Feel free to bring a snack to share. We hope you can make it! Please contact Rev. Britta with questions or to RSVP (cyf@stmartinec.org).

Save the Date:

LGBTQIA+ Pride Evensong

June 9th, 2024

5:00 p.m.

Take Action

POWER Climate Justice & Jobs: Advocate for Clean Energy at Public Utility Hearings

April 16th at 6:00 p.m. (virtual) and/or

April 18th at 1:00 p.m. (In Person at 801 Market St., Philadelphia, PA)

This is a pivotal opportunity for POWER Interfaith to advocate for increased use of clean energy in our region's energy mix. Come to the Public Utilities Commission’s hearing to review PECO’s proposed Default Service Plan. Your presence at these hearings is crucial. Whether you're planning to testify or attend in solidarity, your support strengthens our collective voice for affordable, sustainable energy. Click here to register to attend your preferred hearing date.

Northwest POWER Gathering

April 16th at 6:30pm at the Unitarian Universalists of Mt Airy

Join members of NW POWER to:

Learn about POWER’s work in the state, city, and NW and how you can be part of it

• Meet Antonio Hunter, our new NW organizer
• Share and/or learn about what’s going on at our congregations.
•  Eat, relax, and socialize together - dinner will be provided!

Please email the Rev. Carol Duncan if you would like to attend. 

Beyond Borders Virtual Fundraising Event: "We Are Family"

April 17th

Choose to attend at 8 am, 12 noon, or 7 pm. Click here to register.

From the Rev. Carol Duncan:

I’d like to invite you to log on and learn about Beyond Borders at their "We Are Family" Virtual Fundraising Event. This is a free event for people to come and learn more about St. Martin's partner organization’s work in Haiti. You’ve probably been hearing a lot about Haiti in the news. Beyond Borders is doing some life-changing work with some of Haiti’s most vulnerable families on a rural island, Lagonav, off the mainland – work that is going strong even in these very difficult times. Continue reading here.

Coming Up

Next Week's Adult Forum

April 21st:

Seeking Ecological Balance and Restoration Where We Are

Presented by the Rev. Allen Drew

As part of the Climate Action Team’s EcoFair, the Forum will focus on practical ways that we, as a church community and as individuals, can manage our lives in ways that sustain and ultimately restore the living system to which we belong. 

Face to Face Presentation and Bagged Lunch Preparation

Sunday, April 28th

Face to Face is a wonderful community aid center located in Germantown and a new partner organization of St. Martin's! All are invited to come learn about their work at the Adult Forum and then help make bagged lunches for their free dining program.

9:15 a.m. Adult Forum led by Mary Kay Hanks-Meeks, Executive Director of Face to Face

9:45 a.m. Bagged lunch preparation

Just Mercy: A Social Justice Collaborative

Community Launch and Movie Viewing

Sunday, April 14, 2024

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral

The Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross, a faith-based community of women across the United States and India, endeavors to bring transformation and reconciliation within ourselves and our communities as we work toward healing the world around us. They extend an invitation to join in the launch of a social justice collaborative designed to unite the voices and benefit the mission of all advocates in our communities. The launch begins with a viewing of the movie Just Mercy. It tells the story of the inspiring attorney Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human rights organization dedicated to social justice for everyone. Contact the Rev. Anne Ritchings for more information or to learn how to register.

Election Day

Tuesday, April 23rd

Polls Open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you are in Ward 9, Divisions 9, 10, or 11, your polling place is St. Martin's!

Deadline to register to vote: This upcoming Monday, April 8th

Register to vote here.

Deadline to request an absentee ballot: April 16th

Request an absentee ballot here.

Voices from the Heart Film Screening: "Israelism"

May 11, 2024

Hosted by Congregation Mishkan Shalom

Suggested donation: $20 (more if you can, less if you can’t)

Register here.

"Israelism" traces the journey of two young American Jews as they become aware of the Occupation and Israel's dehumanization of Palestinians and begin to question whether support for Israel should define their Jewish identity. The film features a range of American Jewish thinkers, community leaders and activists, and asks how Israel became the cornerstone of American Judaism, what the consequences have been, and what will happen as divisions continue to grow. Click here to watch the trailer.

Vacation Bible School: Songs of Creation

Mon., June 17th - Fri., June 21st

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Full Day) or 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Half Day)

This year's Vacation Bible School invites children to come celebrate the wonders of the earth! Our theme, Songs of Creation, is inspired by Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” We will explore the incredible ways people care for creation and celebrate it. Join us for a week of games, crafts, stories of faith, and lots of music! Please contact the Rev. Britta Carlson at cyf@stmartinec.org for more information.

Weekday Morning Prayer

Join on Zoom for weekday Morning Prayer at 7:30 a.m.

Biblical Studies on Zoom or by phone

Monday and Tuesday sessions. Link up!